A customer's old carpet pad made me rethink my whole approach

I was doing a tear-out in a house from the 80s and found the original pad. It was this thin, brown, almost paper-like stuff, nothing like the thick foam we use now. The homeowner said, 'That pad lasted 35 years and the carpet on top was fine when we replaced it.' I always push for the thickest, plushest pad I can sell, thinking it's better for the carpet's life. But seeing that old pad still intact made me stop. Maybe a super thick pad lets the carpet move too much and wear faster? I've been reading up on it since, and some guys say a firmer, thinner pad gives better support for the backing. Has anyone else found that an older, thinner pad held up better than they expected?

3 comments

3 Comments

annawebb18d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah, that "thin, brown, almost paper-like stuff" you found is a real eye opener. I pulled up a 90s pad last year that was like cardboard, and the carpet backing was still perfect. Now I'm careful not to oversell the super thick stuff. For a busy hallway last month, I used a firm 5/16" pad instead of a 1/2" sponge, and the installer said it felt way more stable underfoot. The customer loved it too.

amy48318d ago

So you're saying that old thin pad actually protected the carpet better over time? @annawebb that makes total sense, like how a firm bike tire gives you more control than a super squishy one. I've seen thick pads break down and let the carpet buckle in high traffic spots. Maybe we've all been sold on cushion when we really need support.

taylor.amy6d ago

That 5/16" pad you used, was it a specific type like a felt or rubber? I'm trying to figure out if the material matters as much as the thickness for that stability.